It is good to be trusting, particularly of loved ones, but, where a great deal is at stake, it really does make sense to get agreements in writing. In one case, a woman’s claim that her ex-partner promised to give her half his property business failed due to a lack of documentary evidence that any such conversation took place.
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which replaces the EU Data Protection Directive, is a comprehensive data protection regime aimed at achieving a high level of security of network and information systems across the EU and giving individuals greater control over their own personal data.
Statistics do not have the best reputation – often being equated with ‘damned lies’ – but they can be of critical relevance to employment proceedings. That was certainly so in one case concerning a part-time airline purser who was alleged to have been less favourably treated than her full-time colleagues.
Entrepreneurs intent on raising money with a view to commercial exploitation of their ideas inevitably have to disclose detailed business plans to those they hope will provide finance. Such disclosures are not without risk but one High Court case illustrated how the law of confidentiality can provide protection.
Promises made and assurances given to employees can have contractual force, so it is vital not to make such commitments without taking legal advice. That point was made by one case in which a council went back on an assurance that a group of workers would have the opportunity to apply for voluntary redundancy.
Those engaged in international trade obviously have to confront language barriers and, as one High Court case showed, it is no good sitting on your hands if you receive documents in a language that you do not understand.
In a ground-breaking decision, the High Court has upheld the legitimacy of the growing number of companies that specialise in taking over legal claims by disgruntled consumers and pursuing them, en bloc, against alleged wrongdoers.
Most charities rely heavily on voluntary workers but it should never be assumed that benevolence equates to honesty. In one case, the treasurer of a Women’s Institute branch fleeced the organisation of more than £17,000 over an eight-year period.
Multinational companies frequently move their operations between countries – but how do to the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 2006 (TUPE) impact on their search for value? The issue was strikingly raised by a case in which a Yorkshire-based office worker offered to follow his job to the Philippines – but only if he continued to be paid his UK salary.
Employment tribunal judges should be allowed more leeway to hear disputes that are brought outside of the time limit for bringing a claim, an MP has suggested.
Conservative Mike Penning will use an adjournment debate in parliament today to call for more ‘autonomy’ for judges when they decide whether or not to hear a case.